Around the Forest: NWSL live, charity, and more

Welcome back to Around the Forest! Each week, we like to put together some of the coolest stories about the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC. We even like to throw some other MLS and NWSL stories in there too. There weren’t a ton of stories this week (at least not ones we didn’t already report on), but we still have Mark Parsons on NWSL Live and the generosity of the two clubs.

Timbers and Thorns

Parsons joined Jordan Angeli, Lori Lindsey, and Jeff Kassouf on NWSL live to talk about the Fall Series and what to expect from the Thorns moving forward. There was also a surprise guest towards the end of the show. You can watch it here.

To wrap things up quickly, the Portland Business Journal announced on Wednesday who the most charitable businesses were in 2019. Ranking third in the large company category? The Portland Timbers and Thorns FC. You can read about the other companies here.

MLS and NWSL

MLS to launch reserves league beginning play in 2021, sources say — The Athletic (Subscription required)

MLS unlikely to use bubble for postseason despite positive tests, sources say — The Athletic (Subscription required)

MLS has a massive decision to make about how to use PPG in standings — Sounder at Heart

Brenden Aaronson joins FC Salzburg in record-breaking transfer from Philadelphia Union — ESPN

Freddy Adu has a new club: Former MLS star signs with Sweden’s Osterlen FF — MLS

One position for every MLS club to address in transfer market — MLS

MLS Week 19: What to watch for this weekend — MLS

NWSL’s Toni Pressley returns to strange times after cancer fight — CBC

What Commissioner Lisa Baird learned from 2020 — Forbes

Move aside Morgan and Lavelle: O’Sullivan is NWSL gem worth watchin gin Women’s Super League — Goal

Any stories that we missed? Let us know below.